A national and international journalism competition asks Canadian youth to find solutions to litter in their community

A national and international journalism competition asks Canadian youth to find solutions to litter in their community:Winners of Canada’s Next Green Journalist will have the chance to compete for an all-expense paid trip to attend an international environmental education mission Toronto, ON – This school year, Environmental Defence is challenging Canada’s youth to think about environmental issues in their community and look for solutions through a journalism competition called Canada’s Next Green Journalist. The contest, open to youth aged 11 – 14, 15 – 18 and 19 – 21, is an opportunity for young people to contribute an article, photo or video about an environmental issue that affects us all: litter. “How we are impacting our environment today will affect our youth tomorrow,” said Stephanie Kohls from Environmental Defence Canada. “Through Canada’s Next Green Journalist, we are encouraging Canadian youth to think about litter – a local environmental issue – and what they, and their friends and family, can do to make a difference.” The deadline for submissions is March 7, 2014. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges. The winners will be announced in April in time for Earth Day. Winners will have their submission published online and will win other prizes, including the opportunity to compete in the Young Reporters for the Environment international competition for a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to report on an international environmental education mission. Every year, hundreds of young people from 28 countries participate in the program. Last year, three of the national winners placed first, and one placed second internationally in their respective categories. All eight of the national winners have been invited to take part in an international mission in Sweden this January, to learn more about environmental issues with other youth from around the world. Interested youth can visit youngreporters.ca where they can find out more information, including contest and submission details and writing, videography and photography tips. ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is Canada’s most effective environmental action organization. We challenge, and inspire change in government, business and people to ensure a greener, healthier and prosperous life for all. -30- For more information, images or interview requests, please contact: Jen Mayville, Environmental Defence, 416-323-9521 ext. 228; 905-330-0172 (cell), jmayville@environmentaldefence.ca